EPA Says Limetree Bay Refinery Violated Clean Air Act

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a violation to Limetree Bay Refinery for violating the Clean Air Act. The EPA investigation is in the wake of elevated sulfur dioxide emissions two weeks ago that caused several schools and a vaccine center to close down. Residents in the area complained of a noxious smell and various health issues.

The EPA alleges that Limetree Bay was not operating five sulfur dioxide monitoring stations. The monitoring stations should have been fully functional per EPA regulations. Limetree Bay also failed to operate a meteorological tower.

Be the first to know. Sign up to get Patch emails: patch.com/us-territories/virgin-islands/subscribe

Walter Mugdan, the Acting Regional Administrator for the EPA said, “EPA issued this notice of violation to protect the people who live near and work at this refinery, and we have also deployed a team of experts to St. Croix and are working to assess Limetree Bay’s compliance with environmental laws."

Mugdan added, "Many residents are justifiably concerned about recent incidents at this refinery and have questioned if it is operating in accordance with requirements. In fact, the measurement of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is key as it helps us assess air quality, and the data are used to oversee regulated facilities to ensure that appropriate control measures are in place to reduce people’s exposure to the gas.”

Limetree Bay will be required to correct the violations and the refinery may be liable for civil penalties. Short-term exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide can harm the respiratory system, making breathing difficult. People with asthma, especially kids, are particularly at-risk.

Before you go:

• Send a news tip or correction to: ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com
• Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter.
• Interested in showcasing your business on Patch? Email: ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com